Richards hopeful of season recovery

Cardiff defender Jazz Richards says he hopes to play again before the end of the season after an injury-hit campaign.

The full-back, who signed for Cardiff in 2016, has not featured since October due to a persistent hamstring injury and has only played four times in all competitions for the Bluebirds this season.

It means boss Neil Warnock has had to play centre-back Bruno Manga out of position for much of the campaign, while Leandro Bacuna was brought in from Reading in January after the club failed to seal a deal for Liverpool right-back Nathaniel Clyne.

However, former Swansea man Richards says he is optimistic he can be available for Cardiff during the final games of the run in, as they attempt to survive in the Premier League for the first time.

“I still have a niggling hamstring injury, which is proving hard to shake off,” said Richards. “I was fit for the first half of the season – the first 18 games – but since then I’ve had minor injuries that keep recurring. But I’m working hard to get back involved and get back on the pitch.

“I am going to try and get back for the last few matches but it’s hard to say exactly when. I’m working hard in the gym and out on the training ground. It’s about managing it and making sure it’s right because I’ve come back too soon from it before and it’s not worked.

“This time I’ve been taking my time and making sure it’s right, so that I can be available to help the squad for the last few games.”

This article originated on sportinastorm.com

Daniel McCarthy is a reporter who is very knowledgeable about football at all levels, and a keen Leeds United fan. He also follows darts, snooker, motorsport, and rugby league.